New Welder's First Table Build Thread

[Brian_B_]

Do not weld the top solid!!!!!! You will warp the daylights out of it. No fix once its that bad.

Some people say countersunk holes and bolts are the way to go.

Personally, i would stagger weld it..maybe 1 on 6 or something.

You may want to let others chime in on this. I am used to heavier materials.

 

[Brian.Evans]

Oh no. I wasn't planning on welding it solid. I had originally thought countersunk bolts, but skip welding may work well too. Why do you dislike countersunk bolts?

 

[Brian_B_]

No reason really..I guess with lock washers and thread locker it may not loosen up beating and banging on one.

The last welding\fab table I built was 4'X8'X1 1/2" plate. The supports and legs were 8" WF beams. That was at the shop of course.

I need one at home for sure. You are way ahead of me in that department.

 

[kald]

I would weld it on with 6-8 short beads (1/4-1/2" ish). Shouldn't warp and you can take off later easily enough.

It's turning out really nice.

 

[Brian.Evans]

I decided on red, to match my welder. *@#$Big shock, I know.*@#$


I had been playing with an idea in my head to make a modular system for holding a vise and possibly bending studs/holes for decorative iron work. This table is more than just a welding table, it my general metal work table as well.*@#$

I started by painting a Littleton USA 4" vise I bought cheaply a long time ago. I didn't go hog wild with the paint because this is going to get banged up pretty good working with steel.*@#$

Pieces of the nested tubing. They are a perfect fit, with some filing and grinding of course. The big tubing I got from the steel yard scrap bin, and the smaller stuff I got in my initial trade with the guy down the road.*@#$

Placement of the holder, on the left side, near the front of the table.*@#$

The following pictures show how everything will fit together. Of course, all of it will be welded, there will be a set screw/bolt on the bracket, and every thing will be painted black.*@#$
Sorry they are such crappy photos.*@#$

So, whatcha think? *@#$I think it will work fairly well for light weight clamping and hammering. Nothing too much or it'll tip the table.*@#$

 

[BD1]

There was a table posted where the receiver tube was mounted vertical
with a cut out IN THE TABLE TOP so the vise would drop in. I'll see if I can find it . Are you going to drill a hole in the receiver tube to secure inside
tube ? I drilled hole for a pin and another with a nut welded to receiver tube.
Then made a 'T' handle to hold firmly.

 

[Brian_B_]

Awesome. The "receiver hitch" I plan to utilize as well. I do not have the tools to go in it yet (someday). I think its an awesome space saver for a small garage. There are dozens of tools that can be mounted this way and set on a shelf when not needed.

My brother told me tonight he stored up some square tubing drops at work for me (frame) and dad has some stuff where he works for me (I do not know what yet).

 

[Brian.Evans]

Bob, did you use a nut welded to the receiver and a t handled bolt to put pressure on the inside tube AND a pin through both or just the t bolt? I was planning on using the t bolt idea. I'm going to run by the hardware store tomorrow during work.

Brian, I don't have to worry about space so much, my shop is 40x70, but only 40x26 is concrete, so that's the space I use. I like the idea of modular "hitch-based" tools because I can keep my table top completely open for projects. If I had a vise mounted permanently, I just know it would always end up in the way.

I think on that drops in the top would be neat, and an elegant solution. I'd like to see it, but I'm pretty sure it's past my skill set. I think I'm going to add "receivers" on all the corners, so if I need to I can move the vise to the othe side, or have a "bending station" and a "clamping station", etc.

Any other ideas for modular tools that would fit this application?
Edited to add: I thought of another modular tool; a positioner/third hand like on my dad's table, but a bit more elaborate. I will think and sketch tomorrow at work.

 

[Brian.Evans]

Also, I have to bring a couple piece of flat stock with me to work tomorrow. I will use our mechanic's oxy-act torch to bend up some hangers for my stinger lead and my ground lead. I need about 30-50 more feet on each, so I will make the hangers big enough to accommodate that. Like on my dad's bench:

 

[Brian_B_]

Bench grinder, small anvil, buffer, shot bag, bench top planishing hammer, bench top english wheel, bench vice (which you have and i do not)...im sure there are more I will think of later.

I intend to pin and lock down with a bolt.

I just have my small attached garage. Space is my biggest issue. Floor space is non-existent. I have (and will have) way to much equipment in there. I have to utilize alternate methods to floor stands for everything.

All of my wood working tools set on a movable cabinet I have when in use (clamped), but up on shelves when not in use.

Click on my garage in my signature and you will see what I mean.

My brother and dad are gathering steel and supplies for me to build a work bench right now. You have room to work...be happy!

 

[BD1]

Yes, I did the hole for a pin and the nut for bolt with 'T' handle. I have one of my bench grinders set up for the receiver hitch. The pin is quick and stability is not a issue.
Here's one post on receiver tube all over bench and in the top. I can't seem
to find the one I was looking for.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=135293
As far as the vice goes, you can make it free standing too. Sometimes that
makes some jobs easier. That's why you need many vices !!!!!

 

[Brian.Evans]

I was able to get in out ambulance shop and use the
*@#$torch to bend these brackets. They will be used for the*@#$
stinger and ground clamp cables.*@#$

They still need trimmed up a bit and I may have to shorten the*@#$
upright to table connection point length a little as well. *@#$
I don't want to catch myself on them when I walk past the table.*@#$

 

[Silver6.0]

For the top drill and tap (4) 1/2" holes in all four corners. Bolt it from underneath so the threads will come up through the table then grind off flush. We did this on a welding bench we built at my last job only the table was 3/4" thick. You might only need 3/8 bolts .

Neil

 

[Steroblan]

Looks real nice. Well worth the work. I recommend another expanded metal shelf under the welder to get it off the shop floor a few inches, besides it will help cooling of the welder since it has a 30% duty cycle. I just made a wall mount for my Linclon today to get it out of the blast zone.

 

[Brian.Evans]

Thanks everyone. I need to get a couple things at the hardware store today, so I may pick up everything I need to finish this little project up. I'm ready to get it painted and start using it!

 

[Brian.Evans]

Just left the hardware store. I got 6, grade 5, 3/8 fine thread bolts and the appropriate tap for the table top. I decided I liked that idea better than welding the top. I am afraid it would end up warping. There should be 4.5 threads in the 3/16" top.

I also got the bolts and nuts for the t-handled clamping mechanisms. Hopefully I can get them mocked up today or tomorrow. I got the bolts for the vise as well, so hopefully I can get it done too.

I'll do the final sanding/grinding on the frame and everything else over the next few days and then be ready for primer and paint! Let's do this!!

 

[Brian.Evans]

It has been HOT here and we've been busy with finishing up softball season, so haven't had a chance to get out and work on the bench before tonight.*@#$

I welded the lead brackets on and cleaned up the top edge of the middle shelf with the grinder. *@#$I have a lead (no pun intended) on some used leads I can buy cheaply to extend mine. I can't afford $4.49/ft for lead wire.*@#$

I'd been toying around with an idea for grinder and grinding wheel storage on the bench. I hate hunting around for my angle grinder and especially that stupid wheel/arbor wrench. I always lay it down and can't find it when I need it.*@#$

I think I'm going to add another set of grinder hooks, because changing back and forth from cutting to grinding disks all the time is really annoying when I'm fabricating, and 4 1/2" angle grinders aren't all that expensive, even for decent ones, which I do not have yet.*@#$

I almost have the vise mount and the first vice clamp done. I need to get a few more receivers filed down and welded on. *@#$
Sorry for the horrible pictures. I need to get those lights up soon!

I couldn't find any oil, so I used Dawn for cutting fluid. It worked decent. Damn 118* drill bits ****. I couldn't find any 135* split points tue correct size at the hardware store though.*@#$

 

[gbsmithy08]

Nice Table and Shop Brian. I see you had mentioned you work on Knifes and some Blacksmithing. I do a little of the smithing as well. The table is turning out great. Here is a few places to get Drill Bits and numerous other things that can get shipped directly to your house.
http://www.mcmaster.com/#


Then for the Drilling or tapping oil this stuff from Amazon is awesome. I use it on Stainless steel and mild steel. But NOT Aluminum.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000P1IGN2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

This is for a big quantity but they do sell the 16oz bottles individually.

 

[Brian_B_]

Looking good so far.

I cannot tell from the picture, but are the rods for your grinding wheels sticking out on the front of the table? If so, you may end up moving them to the side or underneath later. I have a habit of running into stuff like that and leaving bruises on my legs.

 

[Brian.Evans]

GB, I saw the steak turner you made. I really want to make one like it. As far as drill bits, I have a Fastenal in town, I just didn't make it over to the other side of the city, and bought a general purpose Irwin drill bit. It's not a size I'll use a bunch, but it is a PITA to use a 118* bit on steel. I will have to order some tapping fluid and also some Dykem blue or red. I have to get some of this specialized stuff if I'm going to be working with steel!

Brian, the hangers are on the right hand side on the back leg. I am WAY too clumsy to have them on the front. I think that would be a recipe for a lot of cussing in the shop.

I think I'm going to add a receiver on the front and the back sides facing lenghtwise on both ends, and one facing forward on the right side, then I'll be done. I want a place I can mount my portaband stand, a buffer, and maybe a 6" bench grinder and my 2x42 Craftsman belt grinder . It would be cool to have a multi-station bench all set up for general metal work.

 

[Brian_B_]

Life has been in the way and I have not been around here. How goes the table build? Any updates?

I did finally manage to get going on my workbench\welding table. Build pics are in my garage thread linked in my signature. I do not have room for both of those and tool storage, so its a combo. Should weigh in at 500 pounds once I get it done.

 

[Silver6.0]

that table looks great Brian B, any updates Brian Evans?

 

[Brian.Evans]

Wow! Has it really been 3 1/2
months since I worked on this?? *@#$Apparently! *@#$Life got very busy
with my wife intermittently being very sick and working both jobs
and just plain raising a family! *@#$I finally had time tonight to go out
to the shop and finish this table off.*@#$

Here's the finished thing!

I ended up just tack welding along the inside of the top rail.
The top didn't warp, and it is secure to the frame, so it worked fine.*@#$

I'm glad it's done. Now to get some wire and move the table and 220
outlet across my shop.........

 

[Brian.Evans]

Oh, and once I get some longer leads, they will be routed differently. For now though, I will have to keep them in front so I have the most room to move.

 

[BD1]

Looks good. That FORD hat must be for putting out fires. Kidding!

Maybe build a angle iron frame with wheels for the welder. I love carts and wheels.

 

[redintex]

You did an outstanding job on the table!!!

I am just starting my journey to get my garage in order, and learning to weld is in the works as well.

I will DEFINITELY be referring back to your page for pointers. I especially like the patterning after your father's table. All the better!!!

redintex

 

[Brian.Evans]

BD, I'm a GM man! I got that Ford hat for free at some event. I never wear it, in fact, I picked it up off the floor in my shop just to use to keep the sparks off my head and neck.
I love carts and wheels too, but it won't roll very far with that six foot power cord.

Red, thanks for those kind words. I'm very proud of this table. It cost right around $50, and if more than that, definitely under $75 total! It isn't the heaviest table ever, but it will work for my needs. When you start learning to weld, post here and over at weldingweb. Those guys will tear your welds apart, but are great teachers.